Which is a recognized treatment option for Gambling Disorder?

• A. Insulin therapy
• B. Electroconvulsive Therapy
• C. Antipsychotic monotherapy
• D. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer: (D)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for gambling disorder because it directly targets the thoughts, urges, and behaviors that drive gambling. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge distorted beliefs about gambling (for example, gamblers’ illusions of control or luck), develops coping skills to handle cravings, teaches problem-solving and financial-management strategies, and builds relapse-prevention plans. Through these techniques, people learn to reduce the frequency and intensity of gambling urges, change maladaptive gambling routines, and maintain gains over time. The other options don’t fit as recognized treatments for this condition: insulin therapy is used for diabetes, electroconvulsive therapy is reserved for certain mood or psychotic disorders and not indicated for gambling disorder, and antipsychotic medications as monotherapy do not address the cognitive-behavioral processes at the heart of gambling behavior.